Late summer festivals in jumping Jersey.

21/07/2011

The Channel Islands are renowned for their laid back lifestyle and are the ideal destination for those looking to escape the city hubbub and slow down for a while. Serious traffic-haters can even shun the car on the island of Sark where they are forbidden.

However, for most of us who prefer less drastic ways of relaxing, Jersey makes a great place for a break. Totalling just 45 square miles, the island, none the less has much to offer. Wander St Helier’s historic streets, visit Mont Orgueil Castle which defended the island from French invasion for more than 600 years, and stroll down to St Aubin’s harbour.

The 6th of August sees the island’s annual fish festival, with lovingly decorated boats in St Helier’s harbor, stalls selling freshly caught fish, and cookery demos. The festival culminates in a firework extravaganza at sunset.

Music lovers can sign up for Jersey Live, the island’s most famous music festival, which takes place on the 3rd and 4th of September, with live bands attracting over 20,000 fans. And the famous Branchage Film Festival takes place from the 22nd to the 25th of September, with films shown to a live soundtrack and screened in churches, tunnels and other quirky venues around the island.

The Jersey authorities manage to pack lots of events into a small space, so don’t miss them! Fly to Jersey with Blue Islands (www.blueislands.co.uk) or Flybe (www.flybe.com).